Last February, I went to Barcelona with a few of my friends. The first night we were there, we ate at a small resturaunt in the Barri Gothic called "Mi Burrito y Yo". There was a bar right by the door with Iberian hams hanging overhead, and an upstairs dining room around the perimiter of the first floor. We ate in the basement, which was actually the wine cellar. I had my first real Spanish sangria, served in it's own small pitcher. For the week we were in Barcelona, no other sangria topped that. I had a veal dish made with a bechamel sauce and it was absolutely delicious. One of my friends had lamb chops, perfectly grilled and almost falling off the bone. The desserts left a lot to be desired. They came from a supplier. I wondered if a Good Humor truck pulled up out back to deliver them that afternoon. The resturaunt provided entertainment in the form of a man playing guitar. He had a pleasant singing voice and I enjoyed his performance a lot until he started to belt out "La Bamba". Nothing against Richie Valens, but it was a mostly local crowd, and I'm sure Barcelona has it's own Spanish music to offer, doesn't it?

Speaking of music, if anyone can enlighten me as to the European obsession with bad '80's music, I would appreciate it. It seemed wherever we went, people were groovin' to Wham! and the like. What gives?

starling, i am going to Barcelona this summer on way to Elbulli, any other suggestions for meals there.

Yes! Check out Ateneu in the Barri Gothic. It's a beautiful dining room with great local specialties like bacala with a sweet and sour glaze. El Quatre Gats, where Picasso hung out as a young man, is worth a taste. My friends and I had an excellent prix fixe lunch. It's touristy but not a tourist trap, the food is actually good. For tapas, try the restaraunts around the Picasso museum in La Ribiera. Also check out a great cafe called Vilsvin in the Barri Gothic just off the Ramblas. If you go on a Sunday, you might see one of the procesions where they carry the giant statues to the church. There's a Champion market on the Ramblas. Stop by for some good Penedes region wine, most are under 5 euros. They had boxed wine for 43c! Barcelona is a great city, you will love it. Have a great time!

thanks for the info.How about meatballs in Barcelona lol